The Korea-Africa Foundation and The Korea Times co-hosted the 2025 Africa Week on Dec. 13, offering the public an immersive, daylong experience of Africa’s diverse cultures through music, literature and sustainability-focused programs. The event ran under the theme “Afro Vibes, Heat Seoul.” Organizers said the festival was designed to broaden public understanding of Africa while promoting cooperation between the cultural and creative industries of Korea and African countries. Held annually, Africa Week seeks to provide Koreans with a more comprehensive and balanced perspective on Africa, moving beyond stereotypes and economic narratives to highlight the continent’s cultural richness, creativity and social diversity through performances, talk concerts and interactive programs. Opening remarks were delivered by Oh Young-jin, the president-publisher of The Korea Times, who pointed to Africa’s expanding global cultural influence and called for deeper mutual understanding between Korea and Africa. “Africa is rising — this is no overstatement,” Oh said. “African music resonat